UAE most popular winter destination for Kazakhstan tourists

The United Arab Emirates are ranked first as the most popular tourist destination for Kazakhstan citizens in the fall-winter period of 2012-2013, Tengrinews.kz reports citing executive director of Kazakhstan Tourist Association Rashida Shaikenova. According to her, the demand for countries like Thailand, Malaysia and China is growing. Shaikenova reminded that Egypt was the leading destination among Kazakhstan citizens until the revolution started there in 2011. She noted that the political instability slashed a massive chunk from the share of Egypt in the tourist market of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan tourism agencies are campaigning to return the destination back to popularity. According to Shaikenova, the country should not expect a big number of tourists from Kazakhstan, at least in 2013. She also talked about growing popularity of Vietnam as one of the winter destinations among Kazakhstan tourists. Kazakhstan citizens are also going to Finland to see their children meet Santa Claus in Lapland and enjoy the skiing resorts.